Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has issued a stark warning to the nation’s youth, urging them to avoid participating in planned cost-of-living protests set for August 1. In his address, delivered by Secretary to the Government George Akume, Tinubu characterized the protests as being orchestrated by “sinister” elements looking to exploit the country’s economic difficulties.
The protests, organized to address soaring living costs, have been inspired by recent events in Kenya. In Kenya, mass demonstrations led to significant political concessions from President William Ruto, including the removal of planned tax increases and a cabinet overhaul. This success has spurred Nigerian organizers to seek similar outcomes from their government.
Tinubu’s administration has framed the upcoming demonstrations as a potential threat to national stability, drawing parallels with the unrest seen in India and Sudan. The president’s rhetoric highlights concerns over the potential for violence and disorder, invoking the traumatic memories of Nigeria’s last major demonstration three years ago. The #EndSARS movement, aimed at dismantling a notorious police unit accused of extrajudicial killings, ended in a violent crackdown that left dozens dead.
The president’s call to avoid the protests is underpinned by fears of destabilization. “Capitalising on the economic hardship in the country, some men and women with sinister motives have been reported to have been mobilising citizens, particularly youths, to stage a protest,” Tinubu stated. His remarks were directed at a gathering of traditional leaders, emphasizing the need to avoid the chaos witnessed in other nations.
Trade union leaders, however, are urging a more conciliatory approach. The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on President Tinubu to engage directly with the protest organizers rather than dismiss their grievances as politically motivated dissent. The Congress has highlighted the severe economic struggles faced by Nigerian families, with many reportedly subsisting on meager diets and scavenging for food.
In contrast, the Tinubu administration has accused supporters of Peter Obi, Tinubu’s rival in the 2023 presidential election, of instigating the protests. Allegations suggest that Obi’s supporters are using social media to rally support against the current administration, with hashtags such as #TinubuMUSTGo and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria gaining traction. Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga has been vocal in attributing the protests to Obi’s camp, labeling them as a threat to national order.
The Labour Party, led by Obi, has rejected these accusations as unfounded. They have affirmed the right to peaceful protest, emphasizing that citizens have the constitutional freedom to express their grievances. Obi, who came third in the 2023 elections and alleged electoral fraud, has distanced himself from the planned protests, despite his party’s supporters being active in anti-Tinubu rhetoric.
The situation is reflective of broader continental trends, as seen in neighboring Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni has similarly cautioned against protests. Museveni’s administration has accused protesters of undermining government efforts to foster economic growth, while demonstrators in Kampala have clashed with authorities over perceived corruption.
In Kenya, recent protests have seen police employing tear gas against demonstrators, with hundreds attempting to disrupt operations at Nairobi’s main airport. This reflects the volatile nature of political protests in the region, with governments across East Africa responding robustly to public dissent.
As Nigeria prepares for its own day of reckoning, the administration’s strategy to prevent unrest contrasts sharply with the calls for dialogue from labor leaders and opposition figures. The outcome of these planned protests will likely shape the future political landscape of Nigeria, underscoring the deep-seated economic and social issues that continue to challenge the country.
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